Texas Pecan Organizations Collaborate with Tarleton State University to Establish Pecan Innovation Center
(Photo by Catherine Clark)
Stephenville, TX—The Texas Pecan Growers Association and the Texas Pecan Board proudly announce an innovative collaboration with Tarleton State University to establish the Texas Pecan Innovation Center. This strategic partnership, made possible through the Texas Department of Agriculture Innovation Pilot Project grant, marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance resources for Texas pecan growers and fortify the pecan industry as a whole.
Over the past year, Texas producers have played a pivotal role in providing valuable insights that have guided the development of the Texas Pecan Innovation Center. This collaborative effort aims to create continuing resources and initiatives that address the diverse needs of pecan growers, their businesses, and the industry at large.
Blair Krebs, Executive Director of the Texas Pecan Growers Association, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Texas Pecan Innovation Center is poised to create effective and meaningful resources through a range of initiatives, including research, infrastructure development, human capital investment, marketing strategies, and more. We are excited to embark on this team project and develop assets with great and lasting impacts for those who are stewards of the Texas state tree and produce Texas’ native nut, pecans.”
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Tarleton State University is equally excited about this collaboration. Barry Lambert, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, believes that this partnership will be extremely beneficial for all involved, saying, “The Agricultural Innovation Pilot Project grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture provides us with a unique opportunity to join forces with the Texas Pecan Growers Association and the Texas Pecan Board. Together, we will explore innovative ways to foster resilience and prosperity for pecan growers and the allied industry. Pecans, grown in every county in Texas, hold a special place in our state’s agricultural landscape. The establishment of the Texas Pecan Innovation Center will provide resources for collective brainstorming, enabling us to think outside the shell and enhance producer-level engagement and outreach. I am proud that our faculty had the opportunity to help develop this center, and [I] look forward to seeing our faculty and students work alongside the pecan growers of Texas to build a more resilient and sustainable industry.”
The Texas Pecan Innovation Center represents a collaborative effort to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Texas pecan industry. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing research, education, infrastructure development, and outreach, this initiative aims to empower pecan growers and strengthen the entire pecan community.
